Reincarnation into the Barrier Master

"... what the hell"

I was leaking my voice unexpectedly. Because the place where Royce was lurking was far beyond expectations.

Right now, there's a huge build-up of magma in front of me, and it looks like bright red liquid is slowly overflowing from the depths of the ground. I never thought there would be such a volcano near the fort of Hyama.

At first glance, it just seemed like a small hole. Maybe three meters...... When I saw the Dragon King go in there, I wondered if I would even take a break. But when I went inside, there was an unexpectedly large, but also deep, space. Though I tried to brighten my surroundings by casting a spell of lights, I can't see the bottom at all. Besides, I don't even see the dragon king.

I go further and further underground, thinking that I must have definitely headed to the bottom. But go, go, go, go. They're not getting to the bottom. Besides, the more holes are spread out as we go along. And somehow I got to the big space.

"Isn't it too late"

I can inadvertently hear the Dragon King. It's dark and I can't see him, so I'm putting out more lights. Then the sight of surprise was spreading there.

... it had become a huge dome space, as if it had crept inside. I have very creepy black mountain skin. The Dragon King is smiling at us like that.

"So I told you to watch out for us coming from behind. I went first on my own..."

"Say what. Isn't it a main road with nothing to block? Sometimes you lose sight of me. You followed me now, didn't you?"

"That's a mistake."

"Huh. Well, I don't care about that. It's not here that Royce is. This, further back."

"Huh?"

You still got a bottom? Looking sideways at me wondering, the Dragon King slowly began to descend. When I appraised him, I didn't think he was diving this far deep. Does that mean he was traveling at high speeds? Thinking about it, did the Dragon King detect the signs of Royce and get to this point in the shortest distance? So, if there is, his ability to detect will outweigh mine. I thought it was just a pompous bastard, but if it is, I have to fix King Dragon's rating upwards.

The figure of the Dragon King is getting smaller and smaller. The Tsune that was carrying me also went behind him without losing sight of him.

The space gradually narrows down. Moving on for a while, he went out again somewhat wide. Far ahead, it was stained bright red. Apparently, we've arrived at the magma buildup.

"No way, it was double structured, this volcano..."

I leak my voice out of the blue. When it came to volcanoes, there was a crater, and I assumed there was a magma right behind it, but there was also a volcano like this. I find it oddly impressive.

From the magma build-up, strong winds are blowing up. Perhaps this wind is also at a hell of a temperature. It's easy to imagine that if a living human came to a place like this, he would die in an instant. I have heard that volcanoes produce toxic gases while temperatures are also rising. Under such circumstances, it would even be difficult to get close, if not for the dragon class of the top species. Even in this environment, the Dragon King has a cool face, and the Tsune with me on board doesn't look upset at all. That's right, something like that?

Apparently, there's Royce behind that magma. I concentrate my spirit and activate my appraisal skills throughout this magma buildup.

……

I didn't see Royce. They took a lot of magic, so my body is a little weak. Breathe slowly and exhale, ready to breathe.

"No way...... have appraisal skills in this place?

The Tsune speaks to me in a surprised voice. Did you feel my magic flow? I'm putting up a line to erase the signs... which inevitably means I'm also erasing the magic flow, but if he senses the activation of my appraisal skills even under such circumstances, his skills will also be quite high.

"Oh. But I didn't see Royce"

"As always, he's the one who does the clever thing"

The dragon king talks to me as he flips around. I look at him silently.

"I guess I used a lot of magic. I also found out you activated your appraisal skills."

... Seriously. The fact that the Dragon King also found out about my appraisal means that maybe Royce found out about my presence. With that in mind, all of a sudden, the Dragon King gave a loud laugh.

"Ha-ha-ha! Nothing to worry about. Perhaps Royce hasn't noticed your presence yet."

What do you mean, lean your neck. Dragon King goes on to say more to me like that.

"It's deep down here that Royce is here. It will be impossible to feel your magic there. Even I finally recognized your appraisal skills at this distance. I can't feel you in Royce hiding deeper from here."

"... I was relieved to hear that. But, Dragon King. You, are you all right with being so loud? With that voice, won't Royce find out we're here?

"There's no way..."

The Dragon King also gives an unfortunate look. As far as I'm concerned, I meant to say a little sarcasm, but it doesn't seem to make sense to him.

... Sounds like your magic is healing. I turn my gaze on the magma buildup again and activate sign detection and magic detection there. The image is that of drawing vertical lines that detect signs in the magma buildup, while drawing horizontal lines that detect magic. Move it up, down, left, and right slowly, toward the bottom.

I can see a ratty sweat coming up on my forehead. I also feel cheats and magic shredded. But I don't mind any of that. I sharpen my spirit even further.

"... caught"

I squeal by accident. Behind the magma buildup...... almost had a slight reaction close to the ground. Apparently, there's a huge square box. Inside it, I feel enormous magic enclosed. There he is. It's Royce. Must be Royce.... but wait? What's this feeling?

"... water?

Apparently, Royce, in a huge square space, is straining water. What the hell are you putting up water and stuff for? No way, to escape the heat?

Finish Magic Detection and Sign Detection. When I open my eyes, the Dragon King has a Doya face.

"I would have been there, Royce's guy."

I snort slowly.

"Oh, there's just something I'm not sure about. I made sure Royce was there, but apparently he's putting water in the space. What's this all about?

"Water?"

It was the Tsune who raised his voice. He was silent for a while, but eventually, he raises his voice like a shudder.

"Royce's guy, you thought about it."

"What do you mean?

"I keep myself from being attacked by straining water"

"What do you mean?

"If Royce's space is destroyed, the water inside will erupt at that moment. That way, it explodes. If you do poorly, this mountain itself will disappear in an instant"

"What, that? Doesn't that suck?

I unwittingly turn my gaze to the Dragon King. He's still smiling.

"Dragon King, could you possibly have known about that and dared not attack Royce?

"... what are you talking about?

"Huh?"

"Don't say anything I don't understand, attack me. First, we'll tear his space apart."

I didn't think so, I looked up to heaven.